Sports

Clay Holmes will get the start for West Virginia today on the road. He has had trouble with walks all season, issuing 28 free passes in 36 innings. He has walked at least three batters in seven of his eight starts and only two pitchers i...
Clay Holmes will get the start for West Virginia today on the road. He has had trouble with walks all season, issuing 28 free passes in 36 innings. He has walked at least three batters in seven of his eight starts and only two pitchers in the South Atlantic League have allowed more walks. West Virginia has an early morning start time today. Indianapolis has off today. For a look at the possible starters over the next few weeks, please check out our Probable Pitchers Chart. We have added a Recent Transactions section to the bottom of this page, for all Pirates minor league transactions. A full recap of yesterday’s action can be found here. Clay Holmes has struggled with his control all season AAA: Indianapolis (32-15) @ Buffalo (26-18) 7:05pm 5/23 Probable starter: Brandon Cumpton (3-2, 2.83) Yesterday’s Result: Pawtucket 9, Indianapolis 8 Indianapolis is off today. When they resume play on Thursday, they will finish up their current road trip with four games in Buffalo. Last week, Indianapolis won two of three against Buffalo at home. The Indians have a 3.5 game lead in their division and they also have the best record in the entire International League. They are 12-10 on the road, 20-5 at home. Indianapolis has gone 6-4 in their last ten games. AA: Altoona (19-26) @ Reading (17-26) 6:35pm Probable starter: David Bromberg (2-4, 4.65) Yesterday’s Result: Reading 3, Altoona 0 David Bromberg will get his fifth start of the season tonight. He has also pitched four times in relief. As a starter, he is 1-3, 4.29 in 21 innings. He has a .308 BAA as a starter, .222 when he pitches in relief. Bromberg threw five scoreless innings in his last outing, a relief appearance on 5/16 against Trenton. On the road, he is 0-2, 7.00 in two relief appearances and one start. High-A: Bradenton (17-28) vs Tampa (19-24) 6:30pm Probable starter: Zack Dodson (0-1, 3.06) Yesterday’s Result: Tampa 7, Bradenton 0 Zack Dodson will make his fourth start of the season tonight. In his opener, he went five innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits and two walks. In his second outing, he gave up two runs on six hits in six innings. Dodson pitched even better in his last start, allowing one run over 6.2 innings. He has allowed a home run in all three starts. In 17.2 innings, he has 11 strikeouts, a 1.53 GO/AO ratio and a .206 BAA. Low-A: West Virginia (23-22) @ Kannapolis (15-26) 10:05am Probable starter: Clay Holmes (1-3, 5.50) Yesterday’s Result:  West Virginia 9, Kannapolis 3 Clay Holmes will make his ninth start of the season today. He is coming off what was possibly his best start of the season, one-hit ball over five innings of work. Prior to that, he was on the disabled list with a minor ankle injury that pushed his start back four days. Holmes has pitched on the road only twice this season, giving up three runs over five innings on 4/26 and 11 days earlier, he threw 5.1 scoreless innings. He has a 1.96 GO/AO ratio and a .254 BAA. Recent Transactions 5/20 Alex Dickerson placed on DL. Justin Howard added to Altoona roster. 5/19 Chase d’Arnaud assigned to Altoona roster. 5/18 Jeff Karstens added to Altoona roster. 5/16 Clay Holmes activated from DL. Josh Smith assigned to Jamestown roster. 5/16 Cesar Lopez sent to Extended Spring Training. Kurt Yacko assigned to Bradenton roster
12 minutes ago
The Spurs defeat the Grizzlies 93-89 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Spurs defeat the Grizzlies 93-89 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
12 minutes ago
May 21, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs cheerleaders perform in game two of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at AT First it was the “screaming lady” taking cen...
May 21, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs cheerleaders perform in game two of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at AT First it was the “screaming lady” taking center stage in the Golden State Warriors series and now San Antonio now has another star on their hands after their thrilling overtime win in game two against the Memphis Grizzlies. In the video below, you can hear clearly the fan shouting as the Spurs take the victory.
14 minutes ago
TOP OF THE SYSTEM A look at how the current top 20 prospects did today.  Note that this list doesn’t include players currently in the majors. If a player is in the majors, he will be removed, everyone below him will be shifted up a...
TOP OF THE SYSTEM A look at how the current top 20 prospects did today.  Note that this list doesn’t include players currently in the majors. If a player is in the majors, he will be removed, everyone below him will be shifted up a spot, and a new player will be added to the bottom of the list. Rankings are from the pre-season rankings, and links to each prospect writeup can be found by clicking the player names below. Players who weren’t in the original top 20 are linked to their player page on the site. 1. Gerrit Cole, RHP, Indianapolis (3-2, 3.75) - DNP 2. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Altoona (2-5, 3.02) - DNP 3. Gregory Polanco, CF, Bradenton (.309) - 2-for-4, SB 4. Alen Hanson, SS, Bradenton (.271) - 1-for-4 5. Luis Heredia, RHP, Extended Spring Training (Luis Heredia Close to Joining West Virginia) 6. Josh Bell, RF, West Virginia (.275) – 0-for-5 7. Barrett Barnes, CF, West Virginia (.220) - Low-A DL 8. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, West Virginia (3-0, 2.12) - DNP 9. Kyle McPherson, RHP, Indianapolis (0-1, 19.29) – Triple-A DL 10. Nick Kingham, RHP, Bradenton (5-2, 3.42) - DNP 11. Clay Holmes, RHP, West Virginia (1-3, 5.50) - DNP 12. Dilson Herrera, 2B, West Virginia (.305) - 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI 13. Tony Sanchez, C, Indianapolis (.310) - 2-for-2, HR, 2 BB 14. Wyatt Mathisen, C, West Virginia (.191) – 1-for-4, BB 15. Adrian Sampson, RHP, Bradenton (1-1, 6.94) - DNP 16. Vic Black, RHP, Indianapolis (0-2, 2.63) – 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 0 HR 17. Andy Oliver, LHP, Indianapolis (3-2, 2.87) - 5.0 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K, 1 HR 18. Jin-De Jhang, C, Extended Spring Training 19. Stolmy Pimentel, RHP, Altoona (2-2, 3.35) - DNP 20. Jordy Mercer, SS, Indianapolis (.333) - In Majors ORDER YOUR 2013 PROSPECT GUIDE The 2013 Prospect Guide is now available, and is the perfect resource to follow the minor league system during the 2013 season. You can order your copy on the products page of the site. Order together with the 2013 Annual and save $5! DAILY SUMMARY Top Pitcher: Orlando Castro, LHP (4-3, 1.95) – 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 0 HR Top Hitter: Stetson Allie, 1B (.329) – 2-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB Home Runs: Jared Goedert (5), Tony Sanchez (4), Jerry Sands (3), Stetson Allie 2 (11, 12), Dilson Herrera (5) AAA: INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS   Box Score Result: Pawtucket 9, Indianapolis 8 Starting Pitcher: Andy Oliver, LHP (3-2, 2.87) – 5.0 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K, 1 HR Top Hitter: Jerry Sands, RF (.186) – 3-for-5, 2B, HR Other Notable Performers: Tony Sanchez, C (.310) – 2-for-2, HR, 2 BB Jared Goedert, 3B (.235) – 1-for-5, HR Matt Hague, 1B (.294) – 3-for-5, 3 2B Josh Harrison, SS (.310) – 3-for-5, 2 2B Game Notes: Jerry Sands hit his second homer in as many games, and now has three homers in the last four games. Sands also has five extra base hits in the last six games. In his last ten games he’s hitting for a .294/.415/.706 line in 34 at-bats. Tony Sanchez hit his fourth homer of the season. He had a good day at the plate, but a bad day behind the plate with three errors. Jared Goedert hit his fifth homer of the year to bring the Indians within one in the ninth inning. Vic Black came on in the seventh inning, but left early with an unknown injury. Duke Welker gave up three earned runs. He’s given up eight earned runs in 4.2 innings over his last three outings. AA: ALTOONA CURVE   Box Score Result: Reading 3, Altoona 0 Starting Pitcher: Charlie Morton, RHP (1-1, 2.41) – 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 HR Top Hitter: Carlos Paulino, C (.215) – 1-for-3 Other Notable Performers: Andrew Lambo, CF (.287) – 1-for-4 Game Notes: Charlie Morton made a rehab start, throwing 80 pitches and 48 for strikes. Altoona didn’t have much offense, getting only four hits on the day. Gift Ngoepe and Adalberto Santos were both removed late in the game for an unspecified reason. A+: BRADENTON MARAUDERS Box Score Result:
16 minutes ago
Well, that sure was bad, wasn't it? What was the worst part, do you think? Edinson Volquez imploding in the 5th inning? Anthony Bass imploding in the 8th? The offense imploding in general? In fairness, the Cardinals are the best team in ...
Well, that sure was bad, wasn't it? What was the worst part, do you think? Edinson Volquez imploding in the 5th inning? Anthony Bass imploding in the 8th? The offense imploding in general? In fairness, the Cardinals are the best team in baseball right now, and Adam Wainwright is one of the best pitchers in the league. If you expected this to be easy or a guaranteed win just because the Padres have been part of so many sweeps, you're an idiot. But let's look at the good stuff. We scored on Wainwright, and we did it early! Jedd Gyorko picked up a leadoff double in the 2nd and moved to second on a Chris Denorfia single. He scored on the next play as Alexi Amarista grounded into a double play. Amarista also grounded into a double play to end the game, but we're focusing on the good here. The good guys picked up one more run in the 9th on a pair of singles from Yonder Alonso and Gyorko and a throwing error by Daniel Descalso. Thus endeth the good stuff. Edinson Volquez was looking pretty good through the first four innings. He had some tough luck in the 3rd as Descalso reached first when Alonso knocked a sharp grounder down but couldn't complete the play. Descalso scored on a Matt Carpenter double deflected by Amarista. But it was just one run, and Volquez recovered to sit the Cardinals down in order in the 4th. Unfortunately, he imploded in the 5th, allowing 6 of his 8 hits and 4 runs. He'd pull it together for one more inning after that, but the damage was already done. Despite avoiding the walks that have typically been his Achilles' Heel and picking up 5 strikeouts, Volquez left the game having allowed 5 runs, all of them earned. When Anthony Bass came in to relive Volquez, he sat the Cardinals down in order and picked up two strikeouts. The 8th inning wasn't as good. It started badly as Matt Holliday struck out but reached first anyway on a wild pitch. It got worse when Allen Craig singled. With one out, Bass intentionally walked Jon Jay to load the bases and set up a double play. Descalso made him pay by hitting his second grand slam of the year. Even Tyson Ross didn't come out of tonight's game unscathed. He came in for the 9th inning and gave up a run on two singles, an error, and a sacrifice fly. Not that it mattered at that point. Burch Smith will try to pick up his first career win against Tyler Lyons, who will be making his major league debut. A win tomorrow gives the Padres a series win and a winning record on the homestand. First pitch at 7:10 PM. 21 - 24 Games Back: 4.5 Streak: Lost 1 Games Left: 119 Final - 5.21.2013 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E St. Louis Cardinals 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 4 1 10 13 1 San Diego Padres 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 7 1 WP: Adam Wainwright (6 - 3) LP: Edinson Volquez (3 - 5) Complete Coverage >
16 minutes ago
Source: FanGraphsMost embarrassed: Aaron Harang (-.313 WPA) Least embarrassed: Robert Andino (.033 WPA) Feel free to discuss how refreshingly stress free and relaxing tonight's defeat was below. To me it was what I imagine dying from c...
Source: FanGraphsMost embarrassed: Aaron Harang (-.313 WPA) Least embarrassed: Robert Andino (.033 WPA) Feel free to discuss how refreshingly stress free and relaxing tonight's defeat was below. To me it was what I imagine dying from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in my bed might feel like.
18 minutes ago
Check out @OverTheBaggy's #MNTwins MLB Draft Profile on LHP Trey Ball @TwinsDaily.
Check out @OverTheBaggy's #MNTwins MLB Draft Profile on LHP Trey Ball @TwinsDaily.
18 minutes ago
Chris Colabello will be on an early-am plane to Atlanta, to join the Twins. Amazing Story! #Process @TewksHitting
Chris Colabello will be on an early-am plane to Atlanta, to join the Twins. Amazing Story! #Process @TewksHitting
20 minutes ago
Former Giants safety Kenny Phillips is being allowed to ease his way in with the Eagles after knee issues set him back last year.
Former Giants safety Kenny Phillips is being allowed to ease his way in with the Eagles after knee issues set him back last year.
20 minutes ago
Wilin Rosario was the hero on Tuesday night.From goat to hero in the matter of a night.That is the story of Wilin Rosario on Tuesday night. The catcher laced a single down the right field line, scoring Carlos Gonzalez from second base af...
Wilin Rosario was the hero on Tuesday night.From goat to hero in the matter of a night.That is the story of Wilin Rosario on Tuesday night. The catcher laced a single down the right field line, scoring Carlos Gonzalez from second base after the Diamondbacks had walked Troy Tulowitzki in order to pitch to Rosario. The 10th inning single scored Gonzalez to give the Rockies a victory and put them a Wednesday matinee victory away from being tied for first place.Rosario's clutch hit comes the night after being heavily criticized for his lackadaisical defense behind the plate. Jon Garland threw two wild pitches in critical moments on Monday night, however both pitches were very block-able, and ended up costing the Rockies.There is no one who suggests that Rosario is a great defensive catcher. The issues are clear and apparent. However, his bat makes him one of the best hitting catchers in the big leagues. He is good for 30-35 home runs and puts the ball in play enough not to be considered an all-or-nothing guy.Rosario's defense isn't where it needs to be, but anyone who hung on to endure the full 162 games a year ago knows that the strides he has made in the offseason are significant. He isn't where he needs to be, but his work is noticeable and gives hope that eventually he could be a serviceable defensive catcher in the big leagues. Combine that with his bat and suddenly the Rockies have the catcher they have been longing to develop for 20 years.The win was gigantic for the Rockies. It came after Jhoulys Chacin, the ace of the pitching staff, blew another big lead when his team looked to be in complete control.Chacin cruised through six innings, giving up just one hit in those six innings. The game was all but wrapped up. The Rockies had put up four runs, thanks to Troy Tulowitzki hitting a long home run and DJ LeMahieu continuing what he was doing in Colorado Springs at the big league level.However, after recording the first out in the 7th inning, Chacin simply fell apart. The righty walked Paul Goldschmidt, saw him go to third base when Jordan Pacheco booted a ground ball, but then walked Cody Ross to load the bases. Suddenly, with the tying run at the plate, the Rockies were staring at snatching a loss from the jaws of victory. Chacin gave up a Jason Kubel double, then a Martin Prado single, and the game was tied. Josh Outman entered the game and ended the threat, striking out Gerardo Parra and Didi Gregorious in back-to-back at-bats.The win is big for the Rockies, but the fact that Chacin blew a big lead for the second straight start is concerning. On Thursday, Chacin was staked to a 5-0 lead over Matt Cain and the Giants, then completely imploded, giving up eight runs and picking up the loss. Tuesday's outing was more of the same. His stuff was nearly un-hittable early, then suddenly Chacin was leaving breaking pitches high and over the middle of the plate. He wasn't finishing his pitches and seemed to lose focus.For Chacin, the lack of focus seems to be the biggest concern. He is a guy who has the stuff to be a legitimate No.2 starter in the big leagues. There are plenty of teams that would love to have a guy with Chacin's stuff in their rotation. However, he must find a way to turn the corner and get to the point where he is dominant through his entire outing. He needs to be able to get to 100 pitches without the concern of implosion.In any Major League Baseball season there is time for fans and observers to nitpick and find things that aren't perfect. However, one thing is very important for fans to do. It is critical to take a step back and look at the long term team that they are watching. This is a Rockies team that was predicted by many to lose over 100 games. Beyond that, even the most ardent supporters picked them to go 81-81. One of the rules in baseball is that looking at the standings before Memorial Day is a waste of time. Well, the Rockies are a weekend away from Memorial Day, and, barring a complete meltdown, a
22 minutes ago